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Strawberry Pretzel Salad

There's something undeniably irresistible about the sweet, salty, and creamy combination that is strawberry pretzel salad. This beloved dessert, often gracing potluck tables and family gatherings, has captured hearts for generations with its unique blend of textures and flavors. But don't let the name fool you – this dish is a dessert through and through, despite the surprising inclusion of pretzels.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups 150g pretzels, crushed
  • 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 ounces 225g cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 14 ounce can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Layer:

  • 1 16 ounce package (454g) frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
  • 1/4 cup 55g granulated sugar
  • 1 3 ounce package (85g) strawberry flavored gelatin

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined. Spread evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  • Make the strawberry layer: In a saucepan, combine the thawed strawberries and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft.
  • Bloom the gelatin: Remove the strawberry mixture from heat. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the hot strawberry mixture and stir until completely dissolved. Let cool slightly.
  • Assemble the salad: Pour the cooled strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the salad to set completely.
  • Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Keyword Strawberry Pretzel Salad